NCC Camps

Camp training is the practical manifestation of institutional training. The basic aim of Camps is to introduce cadets to a regimented way of life and helps in developing camaraderie, team work, leadership qualities, self-confidence, self-reliance and dignity of labor in the cadets. The cadets are exposed to the excitement of camp life where they apply the theoretical knowledge that they had gained in Institutional Training. It is mandatory for Junior Division/ Junior Wing cadets to attend at least one camp and Senior Division/ Senior Wing cadets to attend a minimum of two camps during the period of their enrolment. NCC conducts over 1450 camps annually at an average frequency of more than 100 camps in a month. Each NCC Camp is structured for approximately 400 – 600 cadets with Instructional staff comprising three to four officers and 15-20 Associate NCC Officers (ANOs)/ Permanent Instructors (PI) Staff/ Whole Time Lady Officers (WTLOs)/ Girl Cadet Instructors (GCIs). More than 8 lakh cadets attend these camps each year. Republic Day camp is the acme of NCC training and is conducted in January every year. The various types of camps conducted by the NCC are as follows:-

Republic Day Camp (RDC):

Before RDC all group headquarters have to face the IGC (Inter-Group Competition) NCC Republic Day Camp is the culmination of all NCC Training activities. RDC is held at Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt from 01 to 29 Jan. 1850 Selected NCC Cadets from 17 directorates attend the Camp. The Camp is inaugurated by the Vice President of India and culminates with Prime Minister’s Rally on 28 Jan. During the camp visit of Raksha Mantri, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Minister of Delhi, three Service Chiefs and various State Ministers/VIPs are also organised. During the RDC, various competitions are conducted amongst the 17 NCC Directorates to decide the Champion Directorate for award of Prime Minister’s Banner. Competitions are keenly contested in various events such as National Integration Awareness presentation, Drill, Line & Flag Area, Cultural Programs i.e. (group song, group dance & ballet), Best Cadet of Senior Division (Boys) and Senior Wing (Girls) in each Service – Army, Navy & Air Discipline and Best Cadet Boys and Girls each from Junior Wing. Aero modelling and Ship modelling are also conducted during RDC.

Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC):

In C.A.T.C., the cadets are trained in basic skills of survival and emergencies. They are also taught certain skills pertaining specifically to their Wing for e.g., a Naval cadet is trained in boat-rowing, oaring, Semaphore, etc. Another activity in the camp is the “dogwatch” wherein two cadets are to stay on sentry duty for two hours at any time given time of the day. Those caught sleeping, especially during late night or early morning shifts, or otherwise missing from duty are severely reprimanded or penalized. Cadets are also introduced to weapons such as a .22 calibre rifle.

National Integration Camp (NIC):

NIC is to propagate national integration among cadets and society. These camps are considerate for SSLC and higher secondary course (+2) grace mark. These camps are conducted on All-India basis and help bridge the cultural gap among various States of India. In addition, there are six special NICs conducted at Leh, Nagrota (J&K), Chakabama (NER, Nagaland), Srinagar, Lakshadweep and Port Blair.

Advanced Leadership Course (ALC):

Advanced leadership camp is conducted in many places. In this camp, the officers from the Indian Army train cadets for SSB screening and entrance.

Army Attachment Camp:

These camps are conducted by the NCC in collaboration with the Indian Army, Willing cadets are attached to the specific regiments of the Indian Army and undergo a training period of 10–15 days. In this camp, the cadets are trained by the instructors of the particular regiment in the military tactics including day/night warfare & also get familiarized with the weaponry used by the Infantry unit across the military.